Throughout my career I have always focused on outcomes that make a difference for the people of King County: public safety, housing and transportation. We deserve to feel and be safe in our communities – which is why I have delivered public safety solutions from support for law enforcement to crime prevention, and behavioral health responses. Our communities are growing increasingly expensive – which is why I fight for expanded access to affordable housing and convenient, sustainable transportation options.
I’m excited for the opportunity to bring my experience, perseverance and proven record to the office of County Executive.
Exciting news: The Seattle Times has endorsed my campaign for King County Executive!
In a time of budget shortfalls, growing needs, and mounting pressure from state and federal cuts, their editorial board made it clear: experience and proven leadership matter. And that’s what I bring to... the table.
https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/the-seattle-times-editorial-board-recommends-claudia-balducci-for-king-county-executive/?nvep=&hmac=&emci=879dd364-295c-f011-8f7c-6045bdfe8e9c&emdi=ea000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&ceid=
On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the moment this country chose to break away from tyranny and take on the hard work of building a democracy. That work carries on today, 249 years later.
And right now, that work couldn’t be more urgent.
Yesterday, Congress passed a bill that ...will gut programs providing health care and food assistance to people in need in order to give major tax cuts to our wealthiest residents -- ballooning the national debt in the process. This is appalling, and exactly the opposite of what government of the people, by the people, for the people should do.
The impacts of this vote in the other Washington will hit home. As the Seattle Times reported* cuts to Medicaid will hit Washington harder than any state. Nearly half a million Washingtonians could lose Apple Health coverage, and we’d lose $36 billion in federal funding over the next decade.
With Donald Trump and Congress undermining basic government services, along with our freedoms and values, we need local government to do everything possible to defend our rights and protect our people. As a King County Councilmember, I’ve been doing this work.
In January, I called on the Executive to assess where we’re vulnerable and start preparing. Through the Council’s Committee of the Whole, I’ve held regular briefings with experts in government and community. Last month, I joined with Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck to lead a joint session with the same mutual goal — because at this moment, local governments need to work together in lockstep to prepare, respond, and fight back.
I’ve never stopped doing the work, whether it’s delivering more affordable housing, improving public transit, or protecting our most vulnerable neighbors. As your next King County Executive, I’ll be ready to meet this moment — to govern effectively, defend our shared values, and make sure King County is a place where democracy works for all of us.
Thank you for being in this fight with me.�
Claudia
*https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/wa-is-the-no-1-target-in-the-gops-health-care-slashing-bill/
Campaign Update: We got back poll results - and they are good!
Here’s what we know:
• We start with a slight lead
• Half of voters are undecided – that means this race is wide open!
• When voters hear about the candidates in the race our lead grows to 7 ...points
I’m so grateful for all the support and the coalition alongside me. Together, we can win in August, and again in November!
The King County Executive plays a critical role shaping the future of transportation.
From overseeing Metro—one of the largest public transit agencies in the country—to appointing key representatives to the Sound Transit Board, the Executive sets the tone and priorities for how we get... around, and how equitably, efficiently, and sustainably that system operates.
From rails to trails, I’ve spent my career delivering smart, green transportation options. Because of my track record, I’m proud to be supported by all the transit advocacy groups who have endorsed in this race and our transit workers union, ATU Local 587.
As Executive, I will double down on my commitment to deliver on building a diverse and accessible transportation system that works for all.
As thousands of people across King County get ready to celebrate Pride this weekend, I want to take a moment to talk about what this celebration means to my loved ones and me.
In our family, Pride is personal. As parents of a gender-diverse teenager, Pride month has taken on a deeper ...meaning for my husband Jim and me. Each year, we now get to witness what it means for Victor - the person we cherish most in all the world - to be seen and embraced for who they are.
We are grateful every day that we are able to raise our teen in an environment where they do not have to hide who they are. Tragically, this is not the case for far too many kids and parents across the country with the unprecedented wave of attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the trans community. Last week’s Supreme Court decision upholding bans on life-saving gender-affirming care was especially devastating and scary for so many trans kids and their parents across the country.
This is all the more reason it’s important that we need to fight to keep King County a safe place for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity. As County Executive, I will ensure that we remain a sanctuary county where LGBTQ+ people are protected from discrimination and trans people, including trans kids, can access they care they need.
But safety does not just come from the government. It comes from community, too. This is why Pride this year is so important. Pride is about visibility, dignity, safety, and a sense of belonging.
I’m thrilled to see Pride recognized and celebrated across the county from Seattle to Newcastle to Maple Valley – and supporting our LGBTQ+ community will always be more than a ceremonial duty for me as your King County Executive. It will be my personal commitment and honor.
Thank you for letting me share my family with you and for your support. Happy Pride!
Photo: Me and Victor (and our pup Angel) at this year’s Paws & Pride event
Organizing works — and Friday night’s Young Democrats of Washington Convention Kickoff was a testament to what we can achieve together!
There was so much celebrated, and a few shoutouts to echo. Congrats to:
- Young Dems of WA’s new president Austin Christoffersen on a great ...event
- KCYD’s chair Rohana Joshi on her first race for Carnation City Council
- To WA Dems Chair Shasti Conrad for being voted DNC Vice Chair
To the Young Democrats of WA: your energy and leadership show that the future of our party is bright — thank you for all you do to mobilize and educate young voters across the state to keep us moving forward!
Today, we honor Juneteenth—a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates Black freedom, resilience, and joy.
I’m proud that in 2020, we made Juneteenth a recognized holiday in King County—a long-overdue step in acknowledging our history and the ongoing work ...of racial justice.
I’m reflecting today about what Juneteenth represents: both the delayed promise of freedom, and the power of truth, community, and persistence. There’s still so much work to do, and I’m committed to doing it—with humility, and in partnership.
